I have a guy in my local town that is claiming he has a 86 iroc with a l98 and ttops. Now i read somewhere that of the claimed 50 none were ttops or had a/c. Anyone know anything different and really how the car would be. Also what are some clues that it is a l98 that came in 86?

 

Not worth a reply.....

 

then why did you post? If you dont have anything useful then stay out.

 

For all practical purposes they simply don't exist.
Most people don't know their *** from a hole in the ground, much less a 305 vs 350.
Everytime someone has claimed to have a 86 L98 Fbody, they end up checking the VIN number and RPO codes only to find out they've got a 305. It happens all the time. Some nimrod thinks since it's a V8 and it's not dog slow it's gotta e a 350. In 15 years on this forum all kinds of things have been unearthed, and not one 86 L98 has been documented.

 

I think he did have something useful to say, he was saying the guy selling the car is full of **** and to avoid him.

 

you are saying they dont exit? Then why does everywhere say at least 50 where produced. Im in a small town and the guy is not claiming it is a rare car. He doesnt really seem to know much about 3rd gens but claims its got a 350. Its been siting for 6 years and needs bunch of work. Ill check the vin tomorrow. Ill let yall know.

 

*sigh* Because back when the top of the line Camaro came with a 305TPI, the press got all excited because Chevy was experimenting with the 350 in the F-body, and started getting the public all excited saying it'd be available for 1986. As it worked out, it didn't make the deadline and it got pushed back to 1987, but the articles were already printed and the rumor has died hard. Any test cars that were built, couldn't be legally sold to the public, and were likely destroyed. If they were out there, we'd know about it by now.

You don't really need to bother checking the numbers. It's not a factory 350.

Oh, and next time. This really comes up ALL the time, and it's really high on the list of pet peeve threads.

 

well then the search needs to do a better job. I searched everything i could think of. 86 l98, rare irocs, l98, and others that i thought would bring up something. The only one i found didnt give me crap. Also if this isnt true and everyone knows it then they need to take it off of the year chart.

 

The search only works as well as the person doing the search. "86 L98" found these results that sum it up pretty well...

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...roc-5-7-a.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...-86-5-7-a.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...-86-350-a.html

I'm sure there are more, those are just the first few I found on this sub-forum.

I really like this reply back in 2003...
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...86-post11.html

 

Please let us know the Vin#. There usually isn't any response or anything else said once the truth is found! Like you said "he really doesn't seem to know much about 3rd gens but claims its got a 350". If we are all wrong, then you just won the 3rd gen mega lotto! Immediately buy the car from him! Good Luck!

 

Regardless of what it has now, it was originally a 305 and not a 350.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...0-tpi-l98.html

 

Hello All!!

Come on guys, we all know the "fabled 50" 1986 L98 350 5.7L t-topped A/C'd 5 speed IROC-Z's went to small towns with people that don't know much about thirdgens!!!



P.S. Don't forget about the "fabled 50" 1986 L98 350 5.7L non t-topped non A/C'd 4 speed OD IROC-Z's that went to even smaller towns where people don't know much about thirdgens also!!

 

Since we haven't heard back from you on the VIN, here's a little helpful info . . .
To be an '86 with an original 350 TPI, the VIN's eigth digit (engine code) would need to be an 8 and the tenth digit (year code) a G. But I guarantee you won't find this. Whether a few have been made or not, it's never existed in public hands.
It's more likely you find the VIN's eigth digit is an F for the 305 TPI, or if it is an 8 then the year code would be higher denoting a newer car.

The only other thing that would make it possible for an '86 to have the 350 TPI would be if it wasn't original because it was later swapped in. For proof of that, you'd have to decode the engine block's casting numbers. That's the only way I'd ever believe it.

 

Wow, it's been awhile since I've seen an '86 350 TPI post. However, everybody is right, they don't exist. Unfortunately, there's always somebody claiming they have one or know where one is at and some people always fall for it.

I get the feeling that people will still be talking about them thirty years from now and there still won't be any documented cars found by then because there aren't any to find.

 

Dang im sorry i dont live my life on here. Anyways, i just got back from looking at the car. And yes everyone was right. It wasnt a 350 car. Just a high option iroc with a lb9. I still bought the car though for 700.

 

Well, now that you've purchased the car, we fully expect you to live your life on TGO .

JamesC

 

always seems to happen doesnt it?, they get a thirdgen then live on this site for useful information.....

 

more then likely will. Come to find out its a one owner car.

 

Throw up some pics when you have the chance.

JamesC

 

come on guys my uncle's best friend's cousin's brother's dog's previous owner's son bought a '86 RS convertible l98 5 speed brand new, I've seen it and the window sticker myself so you guys are all wrong. Just kidding, if you look at the horsepower and torque rating differences from a l98 and lb9 there isn't much difference and I can't imagine you would feel any difference behind the wheel. So I don't see what the big fuss is over 45 cubic inches. If you like it that's all that matters.

And to johnson7454 I meant no disrespect to you at all I was just making a joke, it sounds like you got a very sweet car and I do hope you do post some pics as I can't wait to see them. Also just a word of warning to you be very careful about coming to this site because it gets addictive very fast, the info here is amazing and you would be surprised at how much you can learn just by cruising around the boards here, the members are very knowledgeable and helpful. And please don't be offended by any of the other posts by other members as the 86 l98 and it's existence is kind of a running joke here, as long as the l98 5 speed car which never came from the factory either. As from what I've read there were 50 86 l98s produced but basically as test cars and some were used for magazines to test too, also if you were to find a bone stock l98 86 car it would have the obvious l98 and the 3rd brake light mounted in the upper hatch glass (which you will never find). Yes I do agree the search function needs some help but if you follow the boards this subject does come up from time to time, and I'm sure they meant no disrespect either.

I hope you enjoy the car and it sounds like you got an awesome deal on it, now lets see some pics. And I hope you do spend some time on here in the future.

 

Oh, you'll feel a huge REAL WORLD difference between a 86 LB9 and a 87 L98. For starters, 86 LB9's had a poor cam, smaller then 85's. Then since the T5 wasn't offered with the TPI until 87, all 86's LB9's came with the 700R4. Finally, most 86 LB9 cars came with 2.77 or 2.73 gears, while the 87 L98 automatically triggered the 3.27 rear axle. It's the difference between a mid-high 15 second car, and a mid-high 14 second car, and yes you can feel the difference from behind the wheel.

I've had a couple 86 305 TPI cars, I've driven even more, including at least one with the G92 axle. My stock 87 Iroc L98 would put a real hurt on any of them. Don't kid yourself, the difference is significant.

 

Not trying to start an argument here but are you saying you can tell the difference between a 305 and a 350 just by driving them? Also if you compare 86 lb9 to a 87 l98 you're really comparing apples to oranges. If you compare a 92 lb9 to a 87 l98 the lb9 has higher ratings than the l98. Again I don't want to start an argument here I'm just saying that I don't think comparing an 86 to an 87 is really fair.

One question I do have though is why didn't the l98 make it in the 86s if they said it would be, they already had the l98 in 1985 with the vette so what was so difficult about putting them in the f-bodys? I was just curious I have never heard the reason for this.

 

Also if you compare 86 lb9 to a 87 l98have though is why didn't the l98 make it in the 86s if they said it would be, they already had the l98 in 1985 with the vette so what was so difficult about putting them in the f-bodys? I was just curious I have never heard the reason for this.[/QUOTE]

The Government EPA did not approve the emissions until the 87 model year with production starting in late 1986 for the 350 3rd gen cars.

 

Thanks. Its just so hard to tell when people are being complete butts or not. I guess im just use to the way people act over on youtube and places like that. But yeah i got the car home today and washing all the crap off it. Dont expect anything nice. The car sat up for 6 years and needs alot of work. Also the car does have the third brake on the windshield. What cars did this come with?

 

[QUOTEll . Also the car does have the third brake on the windshield. What cars did this come with??


1986 was the only model year the Z28 & IROC had required CHMSL brake light was mounted high on the hatch glass. Later model years it was mounted in the spoiler.

 

I'm gonna agree with Drew, there is a decent difference between LB9s and L98s. The only car you wouldn't feel that much of a difference in is the later LB9/5Spd/G92 cars compared to the Auto L98s, and still they would be a little slower.

 

thanks. did they offer alarms back in 86? Its has what looks to be a factory alarm installed.

 

I could be wrong..... but I think it was an elaborate system of laser beams you had to get through so you wouldn't trigger the air horns? Don't know for sure!

 

There was never a factory alarm system offered in any 3rd gen. There was however, starting in 1989 on the Camaro a . . .

. . . system was created. This system used a series of resister chips of differing values mounted in the key. The value of the keyed chipped had to match the value the ignition system is looking for in order for the car to start.
No alarms offered, but a very basic starter prevention system.

 

So you think it's more fair to compare a 92 to a 87? Where's the logic? 86/87 have the same engine management, same exhausts, same basic hardware. 87/92 you've got different engine management, different exhaust, different intake.

Compare as close as you can get... Compare a 87 LB9 auto to a 87 L98 auto, and the 305 is going to be looking at tail lights. Compare a 92 L98 auto to a 92 LB9 auto, the 305 is again going to be looking at tail lights.

You said...
And I'm here to tell you, having owned stock LB9's and stock L98's, and having driven a hundred different thirdgens, that I don't have to imagine the difference, because I've been there first hand. Most L98 cars have most of the stock go fast equipment. Most LB9 cars don't. Even when you compare the cream of the crop LB9, 5spd, G92 to the average L98, the 350 is faster.

Not trying to start arguments, but when people start spouting off nonsense, someone has to point out reality.

 

Hello Drew!!

Go easy, reality (truth) hurts!!

 

I also agree with Drew. I've found the biggest difference is in the top end.
The LB9 runs out of breath before the bigger L98 does. Both are still fast enough to get you into trouble if you're looking for it!

 

Yep, I'm just a big ol' internet bully... Actually, just trying to keep rumors and theory under control. Hopefully no one takes offense, I'm not trying to run anyone off.

 

Hello Drew!!

Funny how you can post the truth, and never vary the story, and no one believes it, yet you can make stuff up, and skew the facts, and everybody believes it!!!



Half truths are still wrong!!



Keep up the good work Drew!!

 

I suppose it could have an L98 in it but from a swap. Only 50 350's were put in IROCs in 86.

 

Yep, I liked my 87 IROC with the L98 way more than my 86 with the LB9. It felt way more powerful.

I miss it.

 

Sorry I didn't see your response until now drew. But no I don't think it's fair to compare an 87 to a 92 engine wise, that is the whole point of this post here. I don't think it's fair to compare any year to any other year, the cool thing about buying cars up to the 90s was that changes were made every year, that doesn't happen today if it does they don't seem as significant. Well I do understand that the 86 and the 87 would be the closest there still are differences.

Now when I made my statement (and I never said this so I will take the blame for this) I meant lb9 to l98 from the same years. So my point is to compare an 86 lb9 to an 87 l98 isn't really fair. Now first off I will say I haven't even picked up my first 3rd gen yet, I have drove many but never an 86 lb9 but I had a friend in high school who had an 87 gta with the l98 and I have to say I was totally unimpressed (however I think there was tranny problems and not engine problems because that car would haul until it shifted into 2nd gear and then would never downshift unless you stopped the car). I suspect the big reason you could feel the difference from an 86 lb9 to an 87 l98 was due to rear end gearing (which we all know would make a big difference), but who's to say IF there was an 86 l98 it would not have had the same .277 rearend as the lb9? If it had do you think you would still be able to tell the difference between an l98 and lb9? It's one of those questions the world will never know.

From reading on this board it seems that the lb9 gets about the same amount of respect as the iron duke. And to restate my point in a better way I will say that "within the same year and with all other things being equal (especially rearend gearing) I think it would be hard to tell a difference behind the wheel (unless you were racing somebody with an identical l98 from the same year) to tell the difference from an l98 to an lb9.

 

An 87 GTA with a L98 isn't going to compare too well to a 87 Camaro with a L98. The T/A had a very restrictive (but hey it was quiet) intake ducting system, and the GTA was a heavier car. They aren't really equal.

The only way to make an LB9 feel like a L98 is to give it an advantage. Give both cars the same transmission, gearing, exhaust, etc and the L98 is always going to feel faster. Like blatantly obvious, undeniably, unquestionably faster.

 

Like almost a full second in the 1/4 mile faster. That's alot of car lengths.

 

So I asked you this before but you didn't answer. Can you tell if a 3rd gen has the lb9 or l98 JUST BY DRIVING IT and not by looking at the vin number or RPO codes or knowing anything about the car other than it has TPI?

 

If you have a 87 LB9 auto, and a 87 L98 auto, or a 89 LB9 auto, and a 89 L98 auto, or a 92 LB9 auto, and a 92 L98 auto, and in all cases both cars were in optimal running condition, and you had a blind test drive back to back, you'd feel the difference. If someone told you one was a 350 and the other was a 305 you could tell which is which easily.

Sadly, there are plenty of TPI cars on the roads that barely run. A sick L98 might feel slower then a healthy LB9, but on an equal playing field there's no mistaking the difference.

 

If a guy who never drove one of these Camaros before got into either a 350 or a 305 tpi, I doubt he'd be able to guess which engine it has.

If he drove both of them, and they were both equally healthy, he'd be able to tell which has the 305 and which has the 350.

 

Hello All!!

305, 350 it's just a number!!! Some people get it, some people don't!!

Can you "actually" feel 10 HP, and 35 lb ft of torque difference between two engines (1987 TPI specs 305 vs 350)????

You should be able to see the difference after 1320 ft of straight line driving!!

 

I'm going to agree. Its not just the peak power, the 350 makes more torque everywhere. And making a big deal about 86 to 87 is pretty silly, the 87 LB9 A4 was just as lame as the 86.

Uh huh, and the sky is yellow. To think this was already addressed above in this post, and its still being quoted. *sigh* Some nimrod even put 75 on the wiki site, so now numbers are just falling out of the air.

That number was pulled out of a magazine from YEARS ago and is likely just a bunch of journalistic nonsense with no basis in reality. I would be surprised if there were more than 2 or 3 test mules made, given that in all these years not a single one has been found. Even the LT5 car has been everywhere, and the TTA verts and Firehawk vert have shown themselves, but nobody can find the mythical 86 350 cars. I'd say if even past the one the mags tested existed, its long gone or stuffed away in GM's stash and has never seen the light of day since Aug 1986.